The Cabin - Jasinda Wilder Page 0,36

forty-five dollars. And sixty-six cents, by way of precision.”

I gulp. “Wait, what? We had a million dollars in investments?”

“It seems so.”

I blink. “He told me he’d made some investments, but he made it sound like it was just…little stuff. Small amounts.”

“You would have to speak to Mr. McCleary for details. The only information I’m privy to is what is contained here.” He gestures with the will from which he is reading. “Shall I continue?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Of course.” He scans the document rapidly. “Ah, here we are. Further to the topic of investments, he retained several of the, and I quote, ‘most stable, long-term investments,’ for the purposes of securing your future interests, but these can be managed at your convenience, as you see fit. The value of these investments currently totals just over one million dollars. Again, Mr. McCleary can provide you with all the information you require.”

“A million dollars in investments,” I repeat. “Adrian, you absolute shitshow. Why didn’t you tell me?” I clear my throat. “Is that all?”

“No, ma’am. Furthermore, he has a life insurance policy, purchased when you were first married, which he seems to have been aggressively funding. I’ve contacted them, and they are in the process of distributing the payout. Which totals, let’s see….” He consults a yellow legal pad on his desk in front of him, peering down his nose through his readers. “Five million dollars.”

I cough in shock. “What?”

“He specified payout terms. A lump sum of fifty percent, with the remainder paid as monthly installments. I can provide you with the breakdown, if you wish?”

“No, that’s fine,” I murmur. “Five million dollars in life insurance? You’re sure you have that number correct?”

One corner of his mouth turns up in something like a near-smirk. “Yes, Mrs. Bell. I’m certain.”

“Just making sure.” I have to lean forward, elbows on my knees, face in my hands. “I had no idea.”

“The only other pertinent item at this time is that he wanted you, upon the reading of this will, to be made aware that all outstanding debts have been paid. This part, I believe, I should read in his words.”

I close my eyes, nod. “Okay.”

“Ahem. ‘Upon confirmation that my illness was terminal…’ ummm…ah, here we are. 'The total cash value of our investments was actually considerably higher, but I paid the taxes on it and then used the proceeds to zero out our debts. My student loans and yours, low interest though they were, are gone. All credit cards are at zero as well, and mine have been canceled and cut up, as well as your car loan; and as specified above, I sold my car. Our mortgage as well is now paid—you own the home free and clear, my love.’ His words, clearly. ‘You owe nothing to anyone. I arranged everything for the funeral, and all costs there have been paid. I also created a separate account, in your name, which I funded and then created an auto-payment system for all utilities. You won’t have to worry about paying utilities or the funding of that account for at least a year. Transfer a few grand into it at the start of each year and you’ll never have to worry about it. I have instructed Lewis to take care of this for you, however. He has access to everything, and I trust him absolutely. Focus on yourself, Nadia. One day at a time.’”

Tomas Anton removes his reading glasses, sets the will down and his glasses upon it. “That is all.”

“It’s a lot to process,” I whisper. “I had no idea he was doing all that. That we had…all that.”

Tess rubs my shoulder. “He’s taking care of you, even now.”

I hiccup, attempting to hold back sobs. “I have to go now.” I stand up, abruptly. “Is there anything I need to sign, or to do?”

“I do need a few signatures.” He twists a stack of papers, marked with arrow-shaped sticky notes. “Here…and here…and here…one more…and last one. Thank you. As I’ve said, specific financial details are available through Mr. McCleary. His card is included in the folder, here. Some of this will take time to work out, payments and such. The life insurance in particular might take up to another thirty days before you see it. They are not swift to pay out, I’m afraid.” He stands up, handing me a black folder containing the will and pertinent documents, with a business card attached to the inside flap via paper clip. “Your husband spent much of his last